Which iPhone operator to choose in UAE?

“Out of stock” is what you hear. Du says a month or two, Etisalat says “Soon”. Anyways whatever. so which one to choose? Well of course my obvious answer is Du. Reason: amazing data package for one whole year (though there are simple conditions to follow) and if you are not up for data package then I ask the question why on earth are you going for iPhone?

As everyone knows, Du provides 1GB data every month as per the condition that the previous month you spent atleast AED100 on calls, data, SMS, or any Value Added Service (VAS). The Bonus credit from recharge voucher is not counted. For example, when you recharge with AED50 and get 20 as Bonus when you choose International credit, then the bonus AED20 counted. Just AED50 is counted. But still it’s worth it.

Why? Because if you look at their data package plan, 5mb cost AED10, 50mb cost AED40, 200mb cost AED100, AED200 for 2GB, AED350 for 10GB (unlimited but speed reduces after 10GB). So do you want to spent separate 100AED and get a 200mb or spent 100 AED on calls and get a whopping 1GB? Not just 1GB also free access to all the WiFi hotspots that belong to Du, which unfortunately happens to be only in Dubai.

It doesn’t end here! You get AED50 promotional credit that lasts for 30 days every month. This AED50 as per the FAQ given in du website, mentions that it will be counted for the 1GB scheme same time the staff in Du store tells me it is not. Du staff on Twitter tells me what is mentioned in their website is the right one. Really confused because I’ve been hearing complaints regarding this issue. Well it isn’t a big matter because even if the bonus is not counted it is worth it. Besides that looking at the total cost, the iPhone comes to AED2514 (2359 for handset + 55 for sim) for 16GB and AED2904 (2869 + 55) for 32 GB. A similar sort of plan is offered from their Postpaid plan with 1GB plan free every month. For more information head on to www.du.ae.

So far for Du. What about etisalat?

They are selling the handset for AED2399 (16GB) and 32GB for AED2799 and this includes no plan and no connection. Editor’s note: Etisalat have now introduced iPhone 3GS plans. Is it worth it? Well yes it is. For those who wants an unlocked iPhone 3GS to take to other places. Especially for the ones in India and other places who doesn’t have 3GS yet in the market.If you are in for a serious mobile internet use its a good advice to stay away from etisalat and go for du, considering the fact that the 3G coverage of du at the moment is very poor especially the highways and certain remote areas. A month back when I went to inquire about iPhone Data plan in Etisalat they were suggesting me to take 195 AED 1GB plan. Yes they are out of their mind. If you are rich and want Etisalat to get income for no reason then well and good spend those cash and enjoy etisalat. But if you want value for money service then I recommend Du. 1GB plan is decent enough for push email, Youtube streaming, social networking and several other media stuff that you can do on the internet via mobile.

Regarding the warranty and after sales service, I guess both have good support although I read a lot of posts discriminating the after sales service provided by Etisalat. I really don’t know which company is handling the service for Etisalat but for Du it’s Axiom Telecom.

Coming back to the “Out of stock” issue, you can pay a small amount to any of the operator and get your handset reserved, but expect a wait for as long as 2 to 3 months. And I got reports that certain people were asked to take back their money from Du because they cant guarantee if the iPhone can reach them in 3 months time itself. You have a choice, “grey market”, “Wait” or “Don’t buy”. Maybe go get a Blackberry or wait for the Motorola Droid phone. Speaking of grey market, they still sell it for a very high cost. Wonder why Carrefour still sells iPhone 3G 8GB for 2499. It’s your take.

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